Arlo Hotel opens, complete with Arrels Restaurant and a Rooftop Bar

D.C.’s oldest surviving apartment building, the 1888 Harrison Apartments, has been transformed into a glamorous new 445-room hotel, Arlo Washington D.C. The hotel’s highlights include a gorgeous rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as the flagship restaurant named Arrels. Helmed by Chef Pepe Moncayo, Arrels means “roots” in Catalan to honor the Chef’s Spanish heritage. Standout dishes on the menu include the crispiest patatas bravas, served in a charming cone alongside a puddle of garlicky aioli, grilled gem lettuce crowned with a snowy mountain of Manchego cheese, chewy mushroom fideos, and, of course, flaky, sugar-coated churros served with a dense chocolate sauce.

Dupont Circle Hotel’s Pembroke Sunday Suppers

In the fall of 2024, The Pembroke, the gorgeous, glass-enclosed restaurant located on the first floor of D.C.’s Dupont Circle hotel, launched a new Sunday Supper series. Each month, a different member of The Pembroke’s talented culinary team will curate a prix-fixe, family-style meal, using fresh ingredients from the market, that honors their own personal culture. Guests can choose to dine just with their party, or,  in the dinner’s spirit of gathering, sit at the community table with whomever else is there that evening.

We were lucky enough to attend the inaugural supper, which had a Sicilian theme. (And as you know, we at the Dining Traveler love all things Sicilian!) The family-style meal included sfincione, a garlicky parmesan-dusted Sicilian pizza, panelle, crunchy chickpea flour crackers, stuffed cabbage, grilled romano beans, roasted cauliflower with almonds, mint, lemon, and chilies, and hearty braised beans. Dessert was a marvel; not-too-sweet ricotta cake arrived topped with warm roasted plums and peaches, and the creamiest chocolate chip gelato was too good not to finish. This is a D.C. hotel experience you don’t want to miss!    

Hotel Heron’s Debuts New Cocktail Bar, Francis Hall

Old Town Alexandria’s Hotel Heron, right outside of D.C. just opened Francis Hall, a craft cocktail bar offering a boozy D.C. hotel experience. The menu features about 30 drinks, including gems like Frank’s Punch, a strong combination of corn whiskey, mezcal, clementine, and suze, and a Negroni that is served as a frozen sorbet with mezcal, vermouth, citrus, and chocolate, and made table-side with liquid nitrogen for an extra special experience.

The Fire Garden at Park Hyatt’s Blue Duck Tavern

Lots of local outdoor patios have closed for the winter, but if you love to enjoy the fresh air even when temperatures are low, visit the new fire garden at Blue Duck Tavern for a super seasonal D.C. hotel experience. The newly created outdoor oasis features firepits and cozy blankets on the terrace and a fun menu of seasonal cocktails like a gingerbread martini, made with vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and ginger, and a chai white Russian, featuring chai-spiced cream, spiced rum, and cinnamon. There is also a series of drinks that incorporate at least one ingredient or garnish that was sourced directly from the hotel’s rooftop garden, like the sweet potato old fashioned with rum blend, sweet potato syrup, angostura bitters, and pecan bitters, garnished with dehydrated orange and two charred meringue cubes. Also part of the series are the golden pear with pear ginger vodka, lime juice, elderflower liqueur, ginger syrup, and angostura bitters, garnished with dried pear, and the Park DC cider with apple, cinnamon- and clove-infused bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, cranberry and ginger syrup, served in a cider mug and garnished with a cinnamon stick. 

Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s Winter Chalet

Dirty Habit has transformed its outdoor patio into a cozy winter chalet with fire pits, blankets, and a snow cannon, offering a lovely festive D.C. hotel experience. Seasonal beverages include warm concoctions like hot toddies, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Don’t forget to order some of their famous truffle frites!

Visitation Hotel Frederick is the first new hotel to open in Frederick, MD in 50 years

Visitation Hotel Frederick, the first new hotel to open in Frederick, Maryland in the last 50 years, is housed in a space that was formerly a convent and Catholic school, which has been renovated into a 65-room boutique hotel. Celebrity chef siblings Bryan and Michael Voltaggio are opening their first joint restaurant in their hometown inside the Visitation, called Wye Oak Tavern, and the venue is a great spot from which you can explore historic downtown Frederick.

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8 Spanish Restaurants in Washington, D.C for Every Occasion

For when you want to impress

The Bazaar

After delays, legal battles, and even a spat with a U.S. president, José Andrés was finally able to open The Bazaar in the historic Post Office Building DC in 2023. It instantly became one of the top spots for the socialites, and reservations can still be hard to get, so we knew we had to include it in our D.C. Spanish dining guide. Spread out over two floors of what’s now the Waldorf Astoria, the restaurant matches the hotel’s almost-over-the-top opulence with marble, brass, enormous ferns, and Dalí-esque art, but with a playfulness that’s also found on the plates. The food is a culinary trip down Andrés’s memory lane, with nods to his molecular-gastronomy days (try the “modern & traditional” olives for a surprise), Spanish roots (stuffed piquillo peppers with sherry reduction), and his past few decades in the U.S. (oyster po-boy). There’s even a reinvented Waldorf salad!

For that old-school authentic vibe

Taberna del Alabardero

Established in Madrid, Taberna del Alabardero opened in D.C. in 1989 and has been going strong ever since. As one of the oldest Spanish restaurants in Washington, D.C., it holds a special spot in our dining guide. Its Spanish origins are evident beyond the name (‘alabardero’ refers to the halberd-armed guards that protect the Spanish royal family), as the restaurant’s ornate interior mirrors the original, and—more importantly—in the food. Basque native Josu Zubikarai helms the kitchen, which turns out authentic Spanish dishes as well as modern takes that take advantage of the quality ingredients the Mid-Atlantic offers. Familiar tapas are available during lunch and dinner like crispy eggplant drizzled with honey and an egg and onion Spanish tortilla, but look for the dishes you may not find elsewhere in D.C., such as ajoblanco malagueño, an almond-garlic soup served cold. If you want to bring some of these flavors home, head next door to Alabardero Tienda, which stocks many of the kitchen’s ingredients; if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, get one of their paella kits).

For Seafood

Del Mar

Fabio Trabocchi’s team at Del Mar serves up sumptuous seafood and other specialties from the Spanish islands in a luxurious setting. To compete with the great views the Wharf in D.C. offers, designers and craftspeople from Spain were brought over to create the idyllic dining room. The food is no less of a feast for the eyes and palate. While the raw bar will tempt, go for the dishes that showcase more of the talents in the kitchen, such as the smoked leeks with a charcoal vinaigrette or one of the several paella preparations that are made to order. Del Mar is a popular Spanish restaurant in Washington, D.C., so be sure to make a reservation; note any special occasion, and the exceptional waitstaff will make sure the experience is extra special.

For home cooking recognized by the Michelin Guide

Casa Teresa

D.C.’s downtown restaurant scene has suffered since most office workers started logging on from home most days. As a result, there have been few exciting newcomers in the past few years, but Casa Teresa is a notable exception and one we knew we had to include in our D.C. Spanish dining guide. Teresa was chef-owner Rubén García’s abuela, and his cooking pays homage to Spanish traditional home cooking: simple dishes that let the quality of the ingredients shine, with many smaller plates meant to be passed around and several options that are served family style. Don’t let the convivial atmosphere and homey dishes fool you, though; chef Garcia takes his food very seriously, perhaps evidenced most in the pa amb tomàquet (‘pan con tomato in Catalan), which comes with written instructions on how to properly prepare the starter of Crystal bread with tomato and olive oil. Whatever happens, be sure to end your meal with the basque cheesecake. Made with goat cheese and served with a puddle of walnut praline, it is absolutely heavenly.

For a unique fusion concept

Cranes

The only sake lounge on this list (and perhaps the only Spanish kaiseki in the country), Cranes fuses modern Catalan cooking with Japanese ingredients and techniques. If you’re looking for a Spanish restaurant in Washington, D.C., with a unique edge, Cranes is it. Chef Pepe Moncayo conceived of this concept following several turns in Spain’s highest-end restaurants and a nearly decade-long stint in Singapore. Settling in Washington D.C. in 2019, he brought kaiseki to the city’s restaurant scene. Kaiseki refers to a Japanese culinary philosophy that is hyper-local and seasonal, in which the chef presents diners with a meticulously crafted tasting menu. At Cranes, this means one day you may find oysters with espelette (pepper from Basque country), on another paella croquetas. Some of the best fusion dishes include bok choy with Manchego cheese and patatas bravas with yuzu ketchup. Desserts, with ingredients like cherry chocolate sorbet and pink peppercorn meringue are also sublime.

For the most fun

Jaleo

The José Andrés’ stalwart in Penn Quarter recently celebrated its 30th birthday. However, it’s still as popular as ever with locals and tourists alike – and thus had to be included in D.C.’s Spanish dining guide! The interior has seen several refreshes over the years, while the menu has remained true to its vision of authentic Spanish food to be shared with friends and enjoyed with good drinks and conversation. The extensive tapas menu has something for everyone. We love the mushrooms served over potato puree, the garbanzo salad with sherry dressing, and the crunchy, savory cones filled with tomato marmalade and goat cheese, but if you’re in the mood for paella, Jaleo offers several varieties that are brought to the table in the traditional pans (which serve 4-6 people easily ) tableside, too.

For that neighborhood bar feel

Atxondo

If you’re looking for a neighborhood Spanish restaurant in Washington, D.C., check out Atxondo. The lively restaurant scene on D.C.’s 14th St NW keeps expanding, and Atxondo may be the northernmost establishment (for the moment). This unassuming place serves up northern Spanish food that is anything but. Most dishes on the large menu are tapas-style, so you can sample a lot without breaking the bank. There are perennials like grilled scallions with romesco sauce (criminally underrated in the U.S.). However, don’t overlook seasonal offerings such as golden beets with goat cheese and crispy quinoa or butternut squash soup. The drinks list matches (maybe exceeds) the food menu in length and includes sherry, vermuts, and Spanish beers in addition to wines and cocktails, so take your time and enjoy.

For swanky food in swanky digs

The Saga

Seven Reasons Group built its reputation in D.C.’s dining scene on Latin-American food, but at The Saga, Chef Enrique Limardo goes back to his Spanish roots, albeit with a Latin-American twist, which is why we had to add it to this dining guide. Look for these twists in the fine print of the menu—pickled pineapple, fried green plantains, and guava are there between the patatas bravas and aceitunas marinadas. A chef’s tasting menu and various dishes that are prepared tableside allow guests to upgrade their dinner experience, but if you can’t wait that long, The Saga opens for breakfast and offers different menus throughout the day.

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The Food

The menu at Ceibo is small, but full of gems. Kick things off with the house-made bread and butter, and maybe the green herb salad. Salad is boring, you say? Not Ceibo’s–with pearl onions and shards of a gorgeous, fruity Venetian cheese called Ubriaco Rosso, dressed in a light sherry vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for wetting your palate without filling you up.

Next: plums served on a pillowy bed of creamy ricotta cheese, adorned with candied peanuts and honey to complement the plums. But the leek tart is the highlight of the menu. The buttery puff pastry cup, taleggio cheese, and delicate onion flavor of leeks make for a winning combination. Uruguayans are famous for their love of cheese, and chef Nacho Olivera is no exception. He proudly highlights the wide variety of cheeses that are popular in Uruguay.

Alongside your leek tart, be sure to sample the white asparagus. At Ceibo, the delicate spears are soaked in a velvety beurre blanc sauce, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs to add crunch. Craving more? Pickled eggplant in an eggplant ragu, hearty potato wedges, and oysters are also on the menu. But you may (must!) want to save room for dessert. The chocolate cake is a dream, with a generous pour of sweet dulce de leche sauce, as are the sweet and bright strawberries with lemon meringue. Don’t leave without ordering the Marti Fierro, a traditional Uruguayan dessert consisting of cheese topped with quince paste. Simple but delicious, the dish is named after Martín Fierro, who was an activist for gauchos, Uruguayan cowboys, as this was his favorite dessert.

The Drinks

If you fancy a cocktail, try the pomelo, gin, grapefruit, orange, and yerba mate beverage, which showcases the beloved South American tea. For wine, don’t pass over the Uruguay red wine, made with tannat, Uruguya’s national grape that oozes with spiciness and depth of flavor.

The Vibe at Ceibo

Ceibo is quiet, cozy, and intimate. It’s great for dinner with a date or a small group of friends. The staff is friendly and eager to share their tips on what to order. There’s nothing not to love!

The Verdict

Ceibo is a special addition to the Adams Morgan neighborhood and will quickly become a date night favorite!

The post Ceibo showcases the multi-cultural cuisine of Uruguay & Argentina appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

The Food at Aventino

Like all of Mike Friedman’s spots, the Italian fare at Aventino is hearty and mouth-watering. Kick off your meal with a traditional Roman flatbread called pizza rossa, simply topped with a jammy tomato conserva, sea salt and Sicilian oregano, and meaty artichokes smothered in buttery and crispy breadcrumbs and a lemony dressing, with elegant mint leaves as a garnish. From there, choose from a variety of pastas. For something decadent, try the cacio e pepe. Made with thick spaghetti strands called tonnarelli, the cheese and black pepper sauce is like a warm blanket that will wrap you up from the inside out. The ricotta-stuffed cappelletti is another great choice, with a creamy sunchoke-infused sauce and sunchoke chips for a crunchy note. Dessert options are equally as irresistible; the budino with dark chocolate ganache is decadent and luscious; the Amalfi lemon float is fun and unique with vanilla gelato and lemon granita doused in a juniper soda, and the apple cake comes with a gorgeous olive oil gelato that is just the right combination of sweet-salty-fruity-creamy.

The Drinks

Ranging from fun and unique to classic, there is a cocktail for everyone on this menu. For drinks on the lighter side, try the Sicilian spritz for something lesser known, made with Lambrusco and blood orange, or a classic Aperol spritz. For a boozier option, there is the pink lotus with Aperol, gin, lemon, egg white, and orange bitters, or a standard delicious negroni with gin, Campari, and vermouth.

The Vibe

The golden light fixtures, velvety bar stools surrounding the oval-shaped bar, and warm wooden floors are all recipes for an inviting dining experience. The staff is as warm and friendly as the décor, and the only issue will be getting a reservation at this already well-known spot.

The Verdict

This is already our new favorite spot in Bethesda! Aventino can get busy so make sure to reserve in advance. If you’re in Washington, D.C., check Mike Friedman’s other spots too. The Red Hen is also one of our favorites!

The post The Team Behind All-Purpose Opens Aventino in Bethesda appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Ilili DC

With its colorful interior, spacious windows, gorgeous hanging plants, and dangling gold light fixtures, Ilili is quite the place to dine. Lately, Ilili has started lunch services, which include a variety of unique dishes. You can design your meal as you fit. Maybe a series of mezza with hummus, labneh, or olives is all you need; maybe you prefer a salad, or maybe your appetite is calling for a full entrée. Whatever you choose, there are several standout dishes to keep in mind.

First, the hummus, made inhouse, which is so silky smooth it is practically buttery. You may choose to order your hummus with a topping; for something spicy, try the jalapenos; for a bit of crunch, add a sprinkling of the rich pine nuts, and if you are craving a meaty element, go with the umami sauteed wild mushrooms. Baba ghanoush is also a treat, super smoky and earthy, and the tabbouleh is bright, fresh, and tart. Perhaps best of all is the fatayer, with heaps of melted cheese, a doughy crust, and a drizzle of fragrant lavender honey. The fattoush salad is sunny and light, and the falafel is made with chickpeas and fava beans for an extra nutty kick.

If your lunch can include a cocktail, sample the thyme after thyme, which is light but brimming with earthy and bitter notes. The baklava, made with walnuts and pistachios, is flaky and sweet and begs to be eaten alongside a cup of Turkish coffee. You can make your lunch at Ilili quick one, but the ambiance and cuisine beckon you to dine, indulge, imbibe, and luxuriate in the gorgeous setting with impeccable fare.

Cranes

The fusion fare at Cranes is one of the best in the DMV, and now you can try Chef Pep Moncayo’s dishes at lunchtime. Delicate dumplings, where mashed edamame is enrobed in dumpling wrappers, steamed, and then doused with a buttery sauce with a sprinkling of spring peas, are sublime, as are the meaty mushroom gyoza. The red miso ramen is the star of the menu, with springy noodles, cubes of tofu in a sweet glazed miso sauce, a bold, savory tomato and miso broth, and lots of earthy veggies like grilled bok choy. For those who can’t decide, choose the bento box menu with several options from the menu. Close your meal with the yuzu cheesecake: it is undoubtedly the creamiest cheesecake you will ever have the pleasure of eating, and the contrast of the tart, acidic yuzu, and calamansi to the luscious cheese is sublime.

Seven Reasons

There are many updates related to Seven Reasons, including a new space down in CityCenterDC and a spectacular new brunch menu. From the finger-linking melted cheese tequeños, served with dollops of guava jam, to the irresistible avocado dip, served with egg yolk, to the crunchy waffles to the traditional Venezuelan breakfast with eggs, black beans, arepas, and fried cheese, this brunch has something for everyone. Vegans will appreciate the impossible burger, and those with a sweet tooth will not want to pass up the tres leches or mango flan. The brunch cocktails include pina coladas, espresso martinis, bloody marys, and tropical aperol spritzs. The brunch is a delight!

The Verdict

Visit all of these spots!

The post A trio of tasty lunches and brunches in Washington, D.C. appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Pascual

The Culinary Theme: Pascual chefs Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss, who hails from Mexico City, seek to showcase the diversity of Mexican cuisines and flavors. You can expect dishes from Oaxaca, Mexico City, and other localities across Mexico.

The Food and Drinks: The kitchen at Pasqual revolves around their wood-fired grill, and an element of every dish on the menu at least touched or rested above the wood grill, giving a smoky note to every item. Kick off your meal with an order of the guacamole, which comes a trio of salsas on the side, pickled veggies and crispy, freshly fried tostadas. Next, dive into garbanzos served on a bed of a vegetarian green chorizo flan and adorned with peppery santa hoja, a Mexican herb. The parsnip tamal comes drenched in a gorgeous blanco mole, a nutty mole hailing from Oaxaca, and is traditionally served to brides at their weddings because of its creamy white color. The fideos is one of the best dishes on the menu, with heaps of smoky mushrooms, huitlacoche, and black garlic. The earthy flavors and chewy texture of the dish are extraordinary. For dessert, try the buñuelo, a fun and surprisingly light dessert that comes fresh from the fryer with two sauces for dipping, one chocolate and one dulce de leche. Their cocktail menu features several mezcal concoctions; go with the Pascual Oaxacan Old Fashioned if you want to stick with the smokey theme, and those abstaining will love the non-alcoholic margarita.

The Vibe: The staff are warm and friendly, the dining room is small and cozy, and the restaurant is low with a shared love of exquisite food and carefully crafted beverages.

El Presidente

The Culinary Theme: The food at Stephen Starr’s newest DC venture, El Presidente, emphasizes dishes from Mexico City, and the massive menu has something for everyone.

The Food & Drinks: First, you need to order nachos. Smothered in melted cheese, beans, tart pickled onions, and a simple tomato salsa, these nachos are the perfect sharing dish to start your meal. Then – go crazy and order as many items as you want! Grilled Mexican street corn with chipotle mayo is sweet and rich and spicy all at once. Black bean enchiladas are cheesy and bold, and build-your-own mushroom tacos come with hunks of meaty portabellas, chewy charro beans, guacamole, and grilled shishito peppers. The drinks menu is equally extensive and tempting: there is a sweet frozen pineapple margarita, beer cocktails, and an impressive list of mezcals and tequilas.

The Vibe: The ornate and whimsical dining room of El President, located by Union Market, is just one of the many draws to this Mexican restaurant.

Amparo Fondita

The Culinary Theme: Amparo Fondita focuses on contemporary dishes from different states around Mexico. The restaurant seeks to honor Mexico’s culinary heritage and diversity through seasonal, heirloom ingredients. The result? Unique, super tasty dishes.

The Food & Drinks: Amparo’s several menu sections offer choices of botanos (which are small bites), tacos, entrees, side dishes, and desserts. Our advice: choose something from every section! From the botanos, order the quesadilla which is oozing with melted cheese and huitlacoche, featuring a heady truffle taste. From the taco section, the Swiss chard and potato option with its nutty pumpkin seed crema is meaty and filling. Main dishes skew to the traditional with choices such as various iterations of chili relleno. The fried plantains are sweet and glistening with butter and are served with a fiery salsa Negra as a side. Margaritas are a must and finish your meal with a sweet slice of tres leches cake, topped with bright crescents of mandarin oranges and bright pink raspberries.

The Vibe: Located in Dupont Circle, the restaurant has a warm and inviting ambiance with low lighting and booths that invite sharing and talking. Perfect for a group of friends who want to luxuriate over dishes and indulge in a bevy of beverages.

The post A Snapshot of D.C.’s Newest Mexican Restaurants appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

The Vibe

The warm and inviting dining room at Mita includes an elegant modern bar, spacious dining area, and open kitchen. The rustic earth tones, array of green plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows add to the ambiance and create a rustic but elegant scene for your dining experience.

The Food at Mita

Now, let’s get to the most important part: the food! Mita’s innovative 14-course menu, divided into four “acts,” opens with a fun surprise: sweet and savory tamarind and mango candies wrapped in edible paper. Chewy and crispy, the treat kicks off the meal in the most delightful fashion. From there, the meal only gets dreamier. The endless, enticing parade of dishes includes a Venezuelan beverage called papelón, made with a non-alcoholic rum and served with a piece of sugarcane. The bread course includes a variety of mini arepas, some made with potato, others with yucca, and others with plantains, and a trio of dips including a sinfully creamy avocado dip; and a soup course that features a fluffy arracacha soup, made with the starchy, slightly sweet Andean root vegetable, and drizzled with a woodsy mushroom dashi. The dish is brimming with gentle earth tones and just the right balance of sweet and savory.

Other highlights include a savory watermelon dish with fermented carrots; an open-faced tortilla topped with a heady concoction of squash, kale, piquant green mole, and meaty huitlacoche; a delightful asado negro made with mushrooms, served on a bed of creamy corn and adorned with crispy onions. The textures and colors play a vibrant role in each dish, and the Latin American flavors, ranging from cilantro to sweet plantains to coconut, are ever-present and dynamic.

The dessert courses are as sublime as the savory courses. The winner is the one called Salar Uyuni, which is designed to resemble the famous Bolivian salt flats. It features a yuca cake crowned with a crunchy white tuile.

The Drinks

Mita’s wine list features off-the-beaten-path natural and sustainable wines, and the full bar offers any cocktail your heart desires. Try one of Lou Bernard’s famed Singhani cocktails, formerly of Casa Kantuta.

The Verdict

Mita is an epic, unique dining experience. Make your reservation now.

The post First Look at Mita, Washington, D.C.’s First Plant-Based Latin American Restaurant appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

There’s nothing like the sound of a Champagne bottle popping to signify a special occasion. In this day and age, restaurants and wine shops are full of a plethora of options of both Champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world, ranging from Spanish Cava to Italian Lambrusco to French Crémant, but there is something extra fun about visiting a bar that is specifically dedicated to bubbles. This Valentine’s Day, or the next time you have something to celebrate, or even for no reason at all, visit one of the Champagne bars in D.C. with your partner or bestie or to toast yourself.

For a French-themed fizz bar experience: Apero

If you want to feel like you are enjoying a glass of champagne in a Parisian café in France, Apero, located in Georgetown, is the place for you. This intimate wine and Champagne bar in D.C. offers a cozy and chic space to indulge in a glass or bottle of sparkling wine alongside classic French fare. The menu of champagnes and sparkling wines is extensive; feel free to ask your server for a recommendation, and they will be more than happy to guide you. Pair your beverage with crunchy potato chips served with French onion dip or decadent black truffle and Gruyère gougères, and you have the recipe for an extraordinary evening.

For a fizz bar experience with fizzy cocktails: Bar Jo

Located inside Josephine’s, a French brassiere in Alexandra, Bar Jo is a charming hidden bar within the restaurant that specializes in bubbles and fizzy cocktails. The bubbly cocktails include gems like Hemingway’s kir royal, a boozy twist on a Kir Royal where the sparkling wine and cassis are combined with absinthe, the pamplemousse spritz, with vodka, grapefruit, lime, and sparkling wine for those who love a bitter element, and the classic champagne cocktail, with sparkling wine, sugar, and bitters, for those who love a cocktail with a hint of sweetness. Feeling peckish? Sample one of the many items on the French-themed menu, including butternut squash soup, Marconi gratin, and a daily changing cheese plate.

For a fun and casual fizz bar experience: Pop

From the catchy pop tunes to the sound of bottles popping, you are immediately set up for a fun evening as soon as you walk through the door of Pop. This champagne bar in D.C. or “fizz bar” is located in Shaw, from the same folks who brought you Maxwell, one of the most popular wine bars in the city. Choose something from the extensive list of bubbles; there is champagne by the glass and half bottle, which allows you the opportunity to sample several different kinds of sparkling wine, and there is also a lengthy bottle list if you feel like splurging. The bar even has options for fizzy canned cocktails like a Negroni made with Lambrusco and a cucumber and lemon-lime hard seltzer. Lowbrow snacks eliminate any pretension that comes with the word champagne; indulge in fried pickles, truffle fries, and Detroit-style pizza, all of which pair surprisingly well with a glass of bubbly.

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Italian – Grazie Mille

Trendy and chic, Grazie Mille, located behind its sister venue, Grazie Nonna, is already a hit amongst locals. Low lighting, invigorating tunes, and an opulent décor create a fun and energetic vibe at this bar/restaurant. For a dreamy vegetarian dish to pair with one of their sensational drinks, try the stracciatella. Served with sweet, garlicky roasted tomatoes and a hunk of chewy bread, the creamy cheese is sinfully good. As noted, drinks are great; I recommend the Vatican, a bright, boozy martini, as well as a glass of their rose Lambrusco. Gather with friends at the bar or in their cozy circular booths over drinks, drinks and snacks, or a full-on dinner – just be sure to get the stracciatella!

Mexican – Amparo Fondita

This long-awaited Mexican spot is officially open in Dupont Circle, and reservations are already getting booked up. Come to Amparo Fondita for the herbed guacamole and margaritas, and stay for the decadent corn quesadillas stuffed with cheese and huitlacoche, the potato and chard tacos, and the chile relleno, doused in a spicy tomato infused salsa frontera. For dessert, don’t skip the luscious, coffee-flavored flan.

African – Almeda

Located in the same spot as former hotspots Himitsu, Pom-Pom, and Little Vietnam, Almeda serves up a small but delightful menu with a memorable vegetarian jollof rice risotto, which is warm and creamy, topped with crunchy peanuts for texture and pickled plantains for a tart note.

Vietnamese – Muoi Tieu

Formerly a food truck, Muoi Tieu moved into their Takoma Park brick and mortar in late 2023 and just recently opened their doors to the public in January 2024. Muoi Tieu is another new restaurant offering vegetarian dishes packed with flavor. The menu is mini but with several tempting vegetarian items, including crispy, savory spring rolls filled with shiitake mushrooms, crispy cabbage, lettuce, slivered carrots, sweet jicama, and fresh herbs. From there, try the steamed rice cakes topped with tofu, a turmeric-infused vegan crepe filled with mushrooms, or the vegan pho.

Spanish – Casa Teresa

Feast on all the veggie tapas at Casa Teresa, which range from garlicky Catalan tomato bread, grilled veggies served with a nutty Romanesco sauce, piquillo peppers, crispy and addictive patatas fritas, roasted eggplant drizzled in a sherry dressing. Pair your dishes with a sherry or vermouth from the extensive list or a bottle of Spanish wine.

D.C. Restaurants with Vegetarian Dishes: Practical Tips

Maybe you’re already a vegetarian, or perhaps you want to eat more vegetarian dishes while dining out. Here are some tips: For a seamless vegetarian dining experience, start by identifying vegetarian options on the menu, often marked or in a separate section. If you need help, ask the staff about ingredients and see if they can make any substitutions. Happy veggie eating!

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Malaysian

Makan’s Curry Mee

This bowl of noodle soup is an obsession for me. The coconut milk broth is infused with the intense and heady flavors of turmeric, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, the chunks of fried tofu are fresh and meaty, a dollop of sambal adds just the right amount of heat, and the duo of noodles, glass and egg, are chewy, light, bouncy and irresistible.

Lao

Thip Khao’s Khao Piak Sen

Known in Laos as a cold-weather soup, this bowl of deliciousness includes a fragrant broth simmered with garlic, lemongrass, ginger galangal, and kaffir lime leaves and laden with thick rice, noodles, crunchy lettuce, chopped scallions, and fried shallots. The crunch of the garnishes is just the perfect contrast to the chewy noodles. When looking for a place to sample noodle soups in D.C., make sure to have Thip Khao on your list.

Japanese

Haikan’s Veggie Ramen

Who doesn’t love ramen? While it can be enjoyed year-round, it’s never as enjoyable as it is in the colder months. The veggie miso ramen at Haikan features a vegetable and miso-based stock and is chock full of tasty vegetables like hominy, lettuce, corn, wood ear mushrooms, onions, and bean sprouts. The springy ramen noodles are addictively good, and the earthy flavors of the dish will bring you warmth and coziness for days after you finish it.

Thai

Som Tam’s Khao Soi

we can’t talk about noodle places in D.C. without including Thai. Located in Union Market, Som Tam is a Thai street food stand that makes a dynamite khao soi, which is a Thai coconut curry noodle bowl. The creation of the dish begins with a homemade curry paste, which takes three days to make. The myriad of ingredients which are included in the curry paste are Thai chilies, shallots, lime juice, cumin, coriander, ginger, pepper, and soy sauce, amongst others. Once the curry paste is ready, coconut milk and vegetable broth are simmered with the curry paste, resulting in a brightly hued, aromatic broth. Served with heaps of noodles, tofu, and garnishes like cilantro and crunchy bean sprouts, you won’t be able to stop yourself from eating every last bite of this bowl of noodle soup.

Korean

Rice Bar’s Kimchi Noodle Soup

The gentle miso broth and soft, glassy sweet potato noodles are the quintessential contrast to the crunchy veggies and intense, spicy hunks of kimchi topping this bowl of noodle soup. Feel free to add in extra toppings like a tangy radish salad, tofu, or roasted seaweed.

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